Coming up with a new business idea can be a challenging process. Yet if you want to start in a proven market with plenty of scope for growth, going the delivery route can be a wise decision.
More and more deliveries are being made due to the relentless expansion of online shopping, which means there’s enough room for newcomers to the industry. Add in the simplicity of initiating and the relatively modest startup costs, and there are various draws to going with a delivery business venture.
Nevertheless, there are various points to consider before you get up and running. So here are some important tips to remember when starting a delivery business.
Research your equipment needs
When starting a delivery business, your first thought will go towards the transport that will be used. If the plan is to build a fleet, you’ll need multiple trucks or vans, ideally all the same make and model for branding purposes. Aside from vehicles, physical equipment needs include the likes of hand trucks and ratchet straps.
With the advantages gained from digitalization, it’s also highly recommended you utilize specialist fleet software. By using something like iLink Fleet Solutions, which features real-time field asset tracking, including GPS capabilities, you can significantly enhance efficiency, accuracy, and customer satisfaction.
Knowing what you require is important when putting together your business plan and determining the amount of financing required.
Gauge demand
Even if there’s space for your delivery business, you will still be competing against numerous other businesses – both small outlets and national brands. So it’s important you take a closer look at these local competitors, seeing what services they offer, their prices, and reputation.
By analyzing the competition, you can gain a greater idea about demand for a new delivery service. For example, you may decide to directly compete against current establishments if you feel you can undercut them or offer a superior service. Alternatively, your thought process might go towards carving out a different niche by providing services that are otherwise hard to find.
Think about branding
Brand identity is an essential part of succeeding in business. Your branding has to be easily identifiable and, most importantly, viewed in a positive light. The latter point can be achieved by providing exceptional service and receiving glowing reviews.
As for boosting brand visibility, ensuring you have a strong internet presence – a website, social media, Google My Business account, etc. – is necessary. As a delivery business, you should also use your vans/trucks as a moving billboard.
Decide your services
With the previous point in mind, you will eventually have to settle on which services to offer to customers. These services can include:
- Same day deliveries
- Next day deliveries
- Immediate local deliveries
- International deliveries
- Weekend and night deliveries
- Heavy parcel deliveries and pallet services
- Specialist delivery services (live animals, vehicles, antiques, etc.)
Selecting the services effectively provides your business with the foundation for everything else. It establishes what your delivery company is about, it defines your marketing efforts, and ultimately the reason for customers to choose your business.
HEY ! I’m Nil (Founder of OnlineDrifts.com), Digital Marketer, Affiliate Marketer and a blogger writing about blogging tips, SEO, Tech Tips etc.
